Skin Cancer Info 101

Tanning salon procedures lead to skin cancer

2012-03-10T06:01:00.000-08:00

According to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, tanning salons are misleading their customers with the information they are providing about the risks of tanning procedures. The risks primarily include skin cancer. The Committee found out that there has been false information circulated to customers from the salons.

Generally, indoor tanning can trigger skin cancer especially when done more often because the ultraviolet rays (UV) released by it becomes too much than normal amount. HCEC discovered that 90 percent of salons which were investigated denied the linkage between skin cancer and tanning procedures as “merely a great myth” or “rumor.”

In addition, some salons that provide tanning services claimed that “it is actually beneficial to undergo indoor tanning as it can help prevent cancer.” The worst idea that HCEC found out is the claim that it can treat lupus and arthritis, help in weight loss, enhance immune system and prevent osteoporosis.

With these false details gathered by the Committee, people become more prone to acquiring skin cancer because people are more attracted to undergo indoor tanning procedure.

Remember tanning is one of the causes of skin cancer. The more a person is exposed to UV rays; the probability of acquiring the chronic illness is very high.

It is important that we become aware of this especially teenagers since they are the main target market of these salons.

If you have plans to apply the procedure, you must first know the amount of UV rays because there is only a certain amount that FDA approves. Although tanning bed is classified as Class 1 (safe medical equipment) by FDA, it is still essential that you are properly informed with the procedure in order to prevent skin cancer.

Statistics on the most common types of skin caner

2012-03-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

The WHO or World Health Organization released an estimation which stated 65,169 people around the world die every year because of too much exposure to sun. According to the Organization, malignant caner of the skin is the main cause of high mortality rate.

According to American Academy of Dermatology, there are greater than 3.5 million skin cancer cases and 2 million people are diagnosed with this illness every year. The 2 most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell. However, people should not panic as these two can be easily treated when discovered early. Based on a latest study, there is a gradual increase number of men as well as women under the age bracket of 40 years old that are diagnosed with those types of skin cancer.

On the other hand, the most common type for young adults under the age bracket of 25 to 29 years old is melanoma. It has been rapidly growing since 1992 when the most affected age groups were late adults and young adults. Most of them were white Americans.

Within the age group of 15 to 29 years old, numbers of diagnosed women are greater as compared to men. AAD added that the most common body part where melanoma is likely to develop is on the trunk or torso. The organization believes that it could be the effect of risky tanning activities such as tanning bed exposure.

On the previous year, it was estimated that new melanoma cases reached 123,590, mostly women were affected. However, numbers of death in women were lower than men. Death in women was 3,040 while in men was 5,750.

Self-test on skin cancer symptoms

2012-02-25T09:51:00.001-08:00

According to the report of National Council on Skin Prevention in the United States, new cases of skin cancer diagnosis in the country have grown greater than 3.5 million, annually. This number is more than the combined cases of colon, prostate, breast and lungs cancers.

American Cancer Society stated that among all types of cancer, skin cancer is mainly common which is primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Sun is the primary source of UV rays but tanning lamps which are man-made are additional sources.

Skin is the largest organ in our body system. Thus, it is important that we see to it that we are able to take good care of this organ because this is the most exposed part on our daily activities. We would not want to have problems with our skin, right? Neither blood tests nor x-ray are needed to test your skin. You can do it at home with just a mirror. Below are the procedures to test the health of our skin.

Face the mirror. Check each part of your body particularly the stomach, chest, neck, face and ears. As for the women, you are required to lift your breasts in order to have a look on the part underneath. Both sides of your underarms as well as your arms are also needed to be checked. Your hands particularly your palm, under the fingernails and spaces between fingers must also be checked.

Sit down. Skin of your lower body parts like toes, feet, knees and things should be checked. For the back portion of your legs such as calves, use hand mirror in order to see it.

You must also check your genitals, lower and upper back, and scalp.

If you see something wrong, like swollen red skin you must see the doctor immediately. Remember: Prevention is better than cure.

Stay out from UV Rays

2012-02-22T05:52:00.002-08:00

In some countries, summer is fast approaching, while in some, it is about to go full swing. This means harmful UV rays are also in. This article will remind you the importance of staying protected from potentially developing skin cancer.

As you go out and enjoy outdoor activities, be sure to be protected with a sun screen from SPF15 upto SPF 50. The new rules of FDA has limit the maximum value of SPF to 50 as no research shows that greater SPF will protect users even more. SPF 15 will only allow you to stay in the sun for 15 minutes without getting burned. Also, protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF. Reapply these protections every 2 hours if you’re still out swimming or sweating out.

If you’re not out for swimming, you can avoid the sun between 10 am to 4pm when it is most harmful. In the middle of the day, the sun’s rays are strongest. If you really have to go out, you can bring in your umbrella or seek shade. Slip on your long sleeves to protect your skin and be sure that these clothes are tightly woven so as to not let any light get through your skin. You can also put on a hat to cover your head, face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses with UV absorption will also provide optimal protection for your eyes and the skin surrounding them.

By doing these even on cloudy days (UV Rays can travel through clouds), you are consistently protecting yourself from any kind of disease especially skin cancer. Other sources of UV light like tanning bed and sun lamps will also damage your skin, so avoid this as well.

There are hundred more ways to prevent skin cancer, but it pays to learn and apply these basic prevention tips first before having to apply more serious treatments.

Know about Skin Cancer

2012-02-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

Taking care of the body is important as it is the dwelling place of our soul. Our skin comprises much of our body and is actually the first layer we see in our physical appearance. It is our first shield from heat, cold, and other environmental elements. No wonder most of us may develop skin disease, and worst, skin cancer.

In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. The two common types are squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. These types of cancer usually form in the neck, head, face, and arms. These are also considered non-melanoma cancer. Melanoma is a more serious form which tends to spread quickly throughout the body.

Some people are more prone to skin cancer if they are exposed in the sun for a long time and get sunburned. Those who have light-colored skin, hair, and eyes are also close to having skin cancer. And of course, at times, the disease runs in family history and those who reach the age above 50.

The most common symptom when one is developing the said cancer is a change in skin appearance. This can be in the form of a sore or a growth of something.

At this early sign, one should seek a doctor for the right medication. But skin cancers can also be prevented by limiting your exposure to sun, using waterproof and sunscreen protection above SPF 30, and generally avoiding direct exposure to the sun with no protection.